Art forms
|
| Kathakali: |
 |
Kathakali is the most famous dance-drama unique to Kerala and is about 500 years old. It is performed only in temples or at the durbars of Maharajas. It is a marvellous blend of tandava (masculine) and lasya (exotic) elements of dancing. The costume, make up, movements, expressions and the language makes Kathakali, a visual treat. Because, it is a fine blend of Abhinayam (acting), Nrityam (dancing) and Geetam (singing) performers enact their roles with the help of Mudras (hand-gestures) and bhava, facial expressions. |
The artists undergo rigours training to master the |
gestures and the bhavas and the nava rasas, the 9 emotions that are so predominant in our life is mastered to perfection. |
It takes an average person 10 years just to get on stage with a small part in Kathakali and many more to master this art form. Coupled with the ancient martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu, this art form needs excellent dexterity and suppleness of the body. |
In its full form, a Kathakali is an on-going cultural drama lasting a few days, or rather nights, since it is performed only at nights. It starts in the evening and goes on till early next morning to start again the same night till the story is told in its entirety. |
The singer narrates the story being enacted and the percussion instruments, without any central rhythm, blends with the expressions and gestures of the artists in perfect synchronisation. |
The paints and colours used are all natural and the only light that is available normally is the light from the oil lamps placed in front. |
| Navarasas: |
| Lasya/Sringara |
: |
Love |
| Hasyam |
: |
Satire |
| Karunam |
: |
Compassion |
| Rowdram |
: |
Anger |
| Veeram |
: |
Valor |
| Bhayanakam |
: |
Fear |
| Bheebhalsam |
: |
Revulsion |
| Atbhutham |
: |
Wonder |
| Shantham |
: |
Serene |
|
| Koodiyattam: |
 |
Koodiyattam is the 'ritualistic' Sanskrit theatre of Kerala. The one still living , more than 1000 years old ancient form of classical dramatic dance theatre in India. |
Koodiyattam is recognized by the UNESCO as one of the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. The Koodiyattam tradition of enacting classical Sanskrit dramas, is closely tied to Kerala's Hindu temples. It is a comprehensive theatre form that has existed since before the tenth century AD and is India's oldest theatre to have been continuously performed. Koodiyattam has the same delight in nuance and hidden shades |
| of meaning in metaphors and delicate implications which is the hallmark of so much of Sanskrit literature. |
There is clear evidence of efforts to reform Koodiyattam by one king, Kulashekhara Varman by the 9th to the 10th century A.D. As such reforms give rise to the supposition of a long-standing tradition, literary sources assume that Koodiyattam has a continuous history of at least 1000 years. This makes Koodiyattam the oldest surviving form of Sanskrit theatre. |
| Kalaripayattu: |
 |
The ancient martial arts form of unique to Kerala, Kalaripayatu is believed to be the origin of martial arts world over. It is believed that the Buddhist monks learned kalari, contributed their own changes and propagated it were ever they went. |
Kalaripayattu exhibits the unmatched grace and dexterity, made possible only through relentless practice, which starts from a very young age. |
Kalaripayttu is not only ancient, the absolute skill and ferocity of the kalari warriors, especially during the reign of Pazhassi Raja, were so effective that they stopped the British right in their |
tracks, so much so that the British rulers were forced to ban the teaching and practice of this martial art. Though they managed to slow down its progress we are fortunate that we still have a few who have managed to bring kalaripayattu almost back to its old glory. |
| Mohiniyattam: |
 |
The dance forms of Kerala takes two distinct flavours, that of classical and folk. The classical was enjoyed more by the elite crowds and the folk by the more common, rural crowd. |
Classical dances, on the other hand, are based more on the epics and the folk on the stories of common man. |
Like Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and Kathak of Utter Pradesh, Mohiniyattam is the official dance of Kerala. |
This is the dance of the enchantress, and so, sringara or lasya is the predominant bhava. |
Exuding enchantment, grace and passion, Mohiniyattam is performed only by women, dressed in their traditional costumes. Come and get enthralled – by the sublime performance of these nubile dancers. |
| Thiruvathira Kali: |
 |
Kerala is also unique in its freedom enjoyed by its women. Old matriarchal system of Kerala household is the obvious example of this freedom. The following is a dance form performed and witnessed only by women. |
Based more on the classical art form this dance form has high religious connotation. |
Thiruvathira, which falls in the auspicious month of Dhanu, during December/January is the birthday of Lord Shiva. On that day, his wife, Paravthy is said to have performed this dance praying for his long life. Today, the maidens perform this dance to |
get the best husbands. The married perform this dance to have long, blissful, married life and for the longevity of their husbands. |
They fast during the day and the night is spent either dancing or narrating folk lore connected to Siva and Parvathi. |
Dressed in their traditional costumes these ladies are a treat to behold and we are blessed to witness this dance form otherwise reserved only for women. |
| Kerala Nadanam: |
 |
Another unique dance form of Kerala. A fine blend of the lasya bhava of mohiniyattom, the facial expressions and characteristic mudras of kathakali and the feline grace of Kerala women make this a performance to cherish. |
Margam Kali:
Kol Kali:
Oppana:
Oottam Thullal:
Chakkaiar Kooth:
Theyyam:
Sarpam Paattu:
Sopana Sangeetham:
Chindu Pattu:
Udukku Paatu: |
